15th Annual DC Shorts Film Festival

Celebrate 15 Years Of DC Shorts Film Festival And Screenplay Competition

Ten Days of Great Films, Fun Parties, Free Workshops
September 6-16, 2018

DC Shorts Film Festival and Screenplay Competition is an award-winning, internationally recognized film festival held every September in Washington, DC. Recognized by MovieMaker Magazine, USAToday, and Washington City Paper Reader’s Poll as one of the best film festivals in the world, DC Shorts champions short films and the filmmakers who create them. DC Shorts believes in the power of short films to democratize filmmaking, permitting diverse voices to be heard from around the globe.

The movement within the film industry towards expanding the presence of women behind the camera, in the director’s role, is reflected in a notable milestone for DC Shorts – this year offers more films directed by women than any previous year, with a total of 40 women directors. This highlights the mission of DC Shorts, to champion the art of filmmaking all-inclusively.

“We are honored by the sheer number of quality film submissions this year and are very proud of the tremendous diversity they represent – from countries of origin and generational and gender representation, to genres and subject matter,” said Director of Programming, Joe Bilancio. “This variety of quality enables DC Shorts to provide what the film-lover community seeks – authentic experiences that enrich lives and, through shared revelation, bring us closer together.”

This year’s DC Shorts Film Festival features 125 films screened among 18 Official Selection Showcases and 9 themed Special Interest Showcases (see below) at venues located around DC. The Landmark E Street Cinema, 555 11 Street, NW, is the primary location for screenings.

The Online Film Festival is also available this year which allows you to view nearly all of the festival offerings via computers, tablets, smartphones, and Roku boxes.

What: The 2018 DC Shorts Film Festival showcases one of the largest collections of short films in the USA. Out of over 1200 entries from around the globe, programmers have selected over 130+ unique films in 18 showcases that reflect the 30 nations they represent — and bring a world view to Washington, DC. A full list of films, showcases and events are listed online.

Where: The festival’s events open to the public are being hosted throughout the city including the following locations. Check specific event details for location online.